We all know that when it comes to hair and skin that really stands out in a crowd, Asian women have it won hands down most of the time. Whether it is in the genes or in beauty secrets handed down for thousands of years, there is just something that gives their hair extra highlights and their skin that flawless look of youth. Well now, a new product is showing up on Western markets from of all places, Korea.
And, hopefully it will create some very smooth skin along with a handsome profit for U.S. retailers who are pushing other K-beauty treatments and products into the beauty mainstream. Korean consumers and manufactures are constantly seeking innovative products and unusual natural ingredients. The question is are western consumers up for this latest decade-old product that is making its way to the U.S., as K-beauty products jump from niche websites and onto the shelves at Target Corp., CVS Health Corp. and Ulta Beauty Inc. stores. The retailers have already announced expansions of the merchandise line, if people can get over the “ick” factor.
“People used to talk about French skincare,” said Sarah Chung, the head of Landing International Inc. which partnered on Ulta’s Korean collection. “We don’t really call it that anymore. Right now we say it’s K-beauty, but it’s really just great skincare.”
So what exactly is this Ick factor? Well it is commonly called Snail Slime, you know, the stuff that snails leave behind as they crawl across your sidewalk or house. You see, Koreans put snail slime on the map, but it’s Chileans who get the credit for discovering its apparent benefits.
The Bascunan family started selling snails for food — escargots — to French wholesalers in the 1980s. The business wasn’t a great success, but it made an unexpected discovery while harvesting the animals. The secretion filtrate – snail slime, seemed to heal cuts and grazes caused by handling the metal cages containing the snails. The story became lore for the brands that followed.
“South Korean consumers are always looking to the next innovation and snail slime when introduced was well-received,” David Tyrrell, a global skincare analyst at Mintel Group Ltd., said. “It was new, arguably exotic and recognized by consumers to readily moisturize the skin and produce anti-aging related benefits.”
Target is stocking the $33 Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Essential Moisturizer, which is 40 percent slime extract. While at CVS, you’ll find the $24.99 Elisha Coy Skin Repairing Snail Cream with 91 percent snail secretion filtrate. “Take the leap of faith. Once you get over the idea of the main ingredient…. you will love this stuff!”
Years ago there was a question asked in beauty commercials, “Does She, or Doesn’t She?” well after reading this, many guys may just start asking themselves that same question before they give that special lady a kiss on the cheek. How about it, Would you kiss Snail Slime?
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